President Obama started his tour in China in order to discuss appropriate business propositions with foreign governments. He discussed the benefits of the Tran-Pacific Partnership with China, and also met with Vladimir Putin to discuss foreign policy in Syria. The meeting was inconclusive and Russia did not return the request made by Secretary of State John Kerry to hold cease-fire in Syria. Cyber-security is also said to have been addressed as the United States had blamed Russia for the hacking of Democratic Party before their convention. Russia has denied these claims on numerous occasions.
Obama was also addressed by the press in Hangzhou, China of the controversial protest made by San Francisco 49er’s quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Obama said he did not spend too much time on the controversy but believed that ‘if nothing else he has generated the conversation around some topics that need to be talked about.’ Obama also said that when it comes to the flag and meaning of the national anthem, it is a tough thing for people to understand his deeper concerns.
Kaepernick has been lauded by former professional athletes and a number of high-profile celebrities, but at the same time criticized by more conservative circles. Kaepernick will likely continue his protest going into the season as it appears he will not get cut by the team. He will also likely become the back-up quarterback due to inconsistent play and inability to score points.
There was also a major dispute on Monday morning when the President’s plane landed in Hangzhou for the Group of 20 summit (G20) meetings. When Obama descended the steps onto the tarmac, apparently the Chinese officials on the scene refused to allow the Americans to use their own stairs to get off the plane. The White House had to forego their main doorway of rolling airways and Obama’s grand entrance looked less grand than they were expecting. It was at this moment when a Chinese official yelled out to the White House members, “This is our country, this is our airport.”
The remarks made by the Chinese man received strong praise on social media sites in China where widespread criticism exists of the handling of White House security.
Obama’s China visit has gotten off to a rocky start due to his inability to reach common ground.